Day 01: Arrive Lima

Arrival in Lima and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check in time starts from 1400 hrs.

Overnight: Hotel La Hacienda Miraflores, Lima (2 nights)

Day 02: Lima

Today explore Lima* on a sightseeing tour. Our experience starts at the Plaza de Armas with its beautiful buildings, including the government palace, the town hall, the palace of the archbishop and the cathedral, still some of the most important places in town. After that, visit the beautiful San Francisco monastery, which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. The highlight of this convent is a visit to the underground vaults known as “catacumbas” or catacombs.  Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores to the coastline, enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.  Afterwards, enjoy a guided visit to one of Lima’s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, which houses the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian Pre-Columbian art. Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, on the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it after his father. In 1958, he moved the collection to Lima, installing the museum in a colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions. The collection boasts approximately 45,000 objects, which have been exhibited to the public. The halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subject. The Metals, Ceramics, Stones, Culture, Great Jewellery Vault and Textile halls emphasize the technological aspects of Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally, the unique Erotic Hall gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians. Our afternoon is free to sample more of Lima’s attractions. (B)

Day 03: Lima/Cusco (Flight)/Yucay (Drive)

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco (cost not included). Upon arrival, we visit a Chinchero community located 28 kilometers away from Cusco. Here are the remains of the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as beautiful colonial temples built on Inca’s foundations. However, its main attraction is its Sunday market, originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products. This colourful and lively market still fascinates with its variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style. Afterwards, we will be transferred to “El Mirador de Racchi”, where we have a splendid view of the Sacred Valley. Next enjoy a typical lunch at a local house, followed by transfer back to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca, Yucay (2 nights) (2020) (B)

Day 04: Yucay

In the morning, explore Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca community. Towering above the town of Ollantaytambo, we will find the Inca fortress of the same name. Steep stone terraces rising from the edge of town lead up to the fortress ruins at the top of the hill. A stone stairway leads up through the terrace walls, allowing visitors to step out on them. One of the best-preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square: an area of 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls. (B, L)

Day 05: Yucay/Machu Picchu (Drive)/Cusco (Train)

Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo, where we take a train that travels through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From there, small busses drive up the steep mountain to the ruins of Machu Picchu*. Called the Lost City of the Incas, this cultural heritage of mankind is a beautifully located and impressive stone city constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Here, stone upon stone has been fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world’s greatest palaces. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure - it is one of the most impressive sites in the world. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins (approx. 2 hours) and return by bus and train to Ollantaytambo station. From here, we are transferred to our hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel Xima, Cusco (2 nights) (B)

Day 06: Cusco

In the morning, we discover Cusco* on a half-day tour. Our experience starts at Plaza de Armas, shown to be the exact centre of the Inca Empire. To protect the historic center of Cusco, vehicles are no longer allowed in this main square. Here we will find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. Next stop will be the old town, with its magnificent renovated colonial buildings. Then proceed to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin located approximately 3 kilometers above Cusco. Sacsayhuaman also offers a fabulous view of the city. Afterwards visit the surrounding ruins.  Afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 07: Cusco/Puno (Drive)

A full day bus journey from Cusco to Puno through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks. We pass up to 4,300 meters above sea level and then continue down to Puno, which is right on Lake Titicaca. En route, we will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. Lunch in a restaurant is included en route. After arrival in Puno, we are transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Xima, Puno (1 night) (B, L)

Day 08: Puno/Juliaca (Drive)/Lima (Flight)

Full day excursion on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros floating islands. The Aymara Indians build their houses on floating artificial islands on the waters of Titicaca, adhering to their ancient ancestral customs.  Continue to Taquile Island, where we find numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins and Inca terracing. The island is narrow, only about 1 kilometer wide, but 6 to 7 kilometers long. The people here still wear their traditional clothes and there is a co-operative shop on the plaza where we can buy woolen goods of very fine quality. A typical lunch at Taquile Island is included. Afterwards, we transfer from the hotel to the airport of Juliaca to catch our flight to Lima (cost not included) and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel La Hacienda Miraflores, Lima (1 night) (B, L)

Day 09: Depart Lima

Today, our exciting adventure through Peru comes to an end as we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. Check out time from our hotel is 1100 hrs. (B)

* please contact us for any other programs of Peru or a tour that combines Peru with other countries in South America.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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